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Robotic Surgery Training During General Surgery Residency: A National Survey Study
Hayley Reddington1, Anna Bogursky1, Zachary Ballinger1
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.
Journal of Surgical Education
|September 17, 2025
Summary
Robotic surgery training in general surgery residency is growing, but surgeons report lower autonomy with robotic compared to traditional methods. This highlights potential gaps in robotic surgical education and practice integration.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- Robotic surgery is increasingly adopted in various surgical specialties.
- General surgery residency programs are adapting to incorporate robotic surgical training.
- Understanding current training exposure and its impact on early practice is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current landscape of robotic surgery exposure in US general surgery residencies.
- To determine how specific robotic training components influence graduates' adoption of robotic surgery in their early careers.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey was distributed to recent general surgery graduates.
- Survey data included demographics, curriculum details, simulator access, perceived autonomy, and current practice.
- Intuitive Surgical Equivalency Certificate data (2020-2023) were analyzed to track trends.
Main Results:
- 59% of practicing general surgeons use robotic surgery, with higher adoption among males and subspecialists.
- Robotic training elements like curriculum and certificate availability increased over time.
- Graduates reported lower perceived autonomy in robotic cases (37%) compared to open (89%) and laparoscopic (84%) surgery.
Conclusions:
- Robotic surgical training is expanding within general surgery residencies.
- Variable perceived autonomy in robotic procedures suggests potential training deficiencies.
- Gender and specialty influence postgraduate robotic surgery adoption, warranting further investigation.
